By Jim Van Nest, Survivor Analyst

February 24, 2011

Hello, good people, and welcome back to Survivor: Redemption Island (Revenge of the Pink Underwear). Previously on Survivor: we had one of, if not THE, best first episodes and first Tribal Councils ever. And despite expecting this to be the Russell and Rob Show, it went in a completely different direction. We met Phillip - although I doubt that's his real name. You see, Phillip used to be a federal agent, which means his word is beyond reproach, he already knows what you're thinking, he's already 12 steps ahead of you AND he is SEXAY in a pair of fuchsia briefs.

Somewhere in the first episode, Rob had groupies, Russell started another "dumb girl" alliance, and Kristina found an idol with no clue, told people, targeted Rob and watched her plan blow up in her face as Phillip blabbed to Tribal Council about everything. Oh yeah, and someone named Francesca or Francesqua or Francenstein... Ah, screw it, someone named Fran got sent to Redemption Island.

Previews for tonight show that the new Russell is the same as the old Russell as he whips out the "you're either with me or against me" line on self-proclaimed redneck Ralph. Phillip seems to be using a spear to catch a crab and we get our first introduction to Redemption Island as Francesca arrives.

Before we get to the episode, however, we're bringing back the Power Rankings from last season. Now, it's early on and half the people never even spoken to the camera, so these rankings will get more precise as the season goes on.

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Boston Rob - 5-1 While I really don't think Rob will be allowed to stay in this game to the end, I have to list him at the top right now. He literally has a fan club out there. Right now, he's controlling six votes. He looked Kristina right in her eye and told her to "give me the idol and you stay." He is in perfect form and looks to be poised for a deep run in the game.

Andrea/Ashley/Natalie/Grant/Matt - 10-1 I have to list Rob's Groupies as one ranking right now. They will do whatever Rob says right now, but eventually, someone will wise up and decide to target their idol. When they do, the winner could very well come out of this group.

Ralph - 15-1 Ralph's a good ole boy. He's a hard worker and I think he's smarter than people will give him credit for. We don't know a whole lot about the Zapatera tribe, but for now, I'll list him (along with Mike) as the top dog(s) in his tribe...mainly because I like him and want him to stay.

Mike - 15-1 Mike's an Iraqi war vet, so the conditions won't phase him. He also seems to be a pretty smart guy. One of the first things out of his mouth was that Russell has to go. He's rallying the troops and may just emerge as the leader of a powerful alliance on his tribe. His weakness will be that he'll be seen as a physical threat and may pay the price for that.